genre: thriller, horror
Hysteria! is the latest in TV land and potentially could be as big as Stranger Things. Although, it would have to improve on certain elements. As with Stranger Things, the show focuses on the teenagers. In this case, a heavy metal band, who are encouraged to worship the Devil. It's safe to say that not everyone is happy with this decision. Next to this storyline is the death of Ryan Hudson. And then there is the storyline that is connected to the first two, where people are convinced the devil is at play.
The latter is assumed, since strange phenomenon have occurred before in Happy Hollow. But the parents neglect this fact and very eagerly want to blame Dylan, Jordy and Spud (the heavy metal band) for calling upon Satan. Since, of course, heavy metal is seen as the devil's work. As a child of the Eighties in the Netherlands, I never had any experienced outrage on heavy metal or rock. I don't think it was that big of a deal. Apparently, this was different in the US, where this genre of music was considered evil. So this show plays into the fear that spawns from this. I think this was a nice angle, but was something that could have been explored deeper. First, it takes a while for the hysteria to take form. Then, when it does seem in full effect, the show gets distracted too much by the other plots and for the most part I didn't find it that compelling until the three last episodes. It's here when events kick into high gear, reminiscent of Midnight Mass without the dread, impact and pay off.
I mentioned that Hysteria! seemed like a combination of Stranger Things and Scream. The first episode is basically a slasher like Scream where you are made to wonder who the masked killer is. I personally, they could and should have leaned into this more. I wanted to expect tension and thrills throughout the show, but never got that. They went into another direction and I don't think it meshed well with the rest. It felt forced. If it weren't for films like Thanksgiving I honestly would believe that filmmakers are incapable of making solid slashers. But I wished more would step up their game. It's not that hard!
The ending is a bit weak if you ask me, and I think they very easily could have taken it to the next level without compromising the lighter approach in the first episodes. But like always Bruce Campbell saved the day as he makes it worth your while even if his role is a bit small. For once, he is not the comic relief, but the serious anchor to keep everyone grounded as much as possible. He is practical and logical in confronting the issues and crimes, and doesn't immediately panic like the rest of the people do in Happy Hollow. To be fair, I think most of the cast do a good job. It's also nice to see Nolan North for once instead of hearing.
Like I stated earlier, Hysteria! has the potential to be a hit franchise if they will improve upon the suspense and dread. It's not sure yet if a season 2 is coming. I, for one, want it to happen where Bruce Campbell will have a bigger role.
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